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BLM and Forest staff outline summer projects, mapping updates and a $1 million campground renovation
Summary
BLM and Forest Service staff told the Emery County trails committee they will start environmental analysis for Sanderville Swell amendments, rollout a short scoping period next week, update Avenza/Emery County maps, and oversee a $1 million Joe's Valley campground renovation that is out for bid.
BLM and Forest Service staff told the Emery County trails committee that travel‑management and land‑use work will be a major focus this summer, along with map updates and several capital projects.
An unnamed BLM presenter said scoping for a travel-management update will be released likely next week with a 15‑day comment window. The presenter also said draft alternatives for the Sanderville Swell recreation area have been revised after cooperating‑agency feedback and that BLM will advance to environmental analysis this summer. Permitting and processing a backlog of SRP applications were described as priorities over the next six months.
Staff noted map and signage constraints. A new Avenza map showing the Sanderville Swell and Sanderville Desert has been published and BLM staff asked Emery County IT/GIS to integrate recent route and land‑status changes so printed maps and phone updates can be pushed. Staff warned printing and some travel‑management signage are delayed because sign‑shop staffing has been reduced by early retirements.
Capital projects highlighted included a contracted bridge replacement at Top Left Fork (to be flown into place) and a roughly $1,000,000 Joel's Valley Campground renovation currently out for bid covering new paving, expanded parking pads, picnic tables and fire rings. Staff said work timelines will depend on bid results and that some facilities may be closed while construction occurs.
Forest Service and state staff also listed trail crew schedules and grants: state trail crews will work several July dates and the OHV recreational grant application window remains open through July 31. Staff encouraged local groups to apply and said many projects are funded through user fees and the transient room tax.
The committee discussed practical next steps: county GIS must update the map layers to reflect land-swap changes, staff will then coordinate printing and Avenza pushes, and agencies will return with detailed schedules as bids and permitting timelines firm up.
